Care guide

Gold plating is a thin surface layer, not solid gold. How long it stays on depends almost entirely on what the piece is exposed to. Here is what actually matters, in order of how much difference it makes.

Take it off before you shower, swim or exercise

This single habit matters more than everything else combined. Soap and shampoo wear the plating faster than water does, and chlorinated or salt water fastest of all. Sweat is mildly acidic and does the same thing more slowly. A piece worn dry lasts years; the same piece worn in the shower daily can start to fade in months.

Jewellery on last, off first

Perfume, hairspray, hand cream and sunscreen contain alcohol and oils that break down the surface. Put the piece on when everything else is done, and take it off first when you get home.

Wipe it after wearing

A soft dry cloth is enough. What you are wiping off is skin oil and sweat — left overnight it keeps working on the surface. Do not use a silver polishing cloth or polish on gold plating: they are abrasive and remove the plating rather than the dirt.

Store dry and separately

Bathroom humidity speeds up tarnishing. A small pouch or box in the bedroom is better. Do not let pieces rub against each other — scratches in the plating are the first thing anyone notices.

925 sterling silver

Silver is not plated, it tarnishes — the surface turns yellowish and then dark. That is not damage and a silver polishing cloth takes it off. Silver worn often tarnishes more slowly than silver left in a drawer, because skin polishes it.

Real freshwater pearls

Pearls are the most delicate thing we sell. They are calcium carbonate and dissolve in acid — including weak acid like perfume, lemon or sweat over time. Wipe them with a damp cloth after wearing, never with polish. Do not store them airtight: pearls need a little moisture or they can crack.

When the plating goes anyway

It eventually does on everything gold-plated. That is the nature of the material, not a fault in the piece. Email [email protected] if something breaks early or does not match its description — you have the right to complain for up to 3 years under the Swedish Consumer Sales Act.